Rucola thrives splendidly and without much gardening effort. In summer it often provides more leaves than can be processed fresh. If leaf spot disease unexpectedly spreads, the green supply abruptly stops. Why this is and what to do.
How to prevent arugula leaf spot?
Arugula leaf spot is caused by a fungus that occurs in humid conditions and lack of sunlight. Preventive measures include: choosing a sunny location, sufficient plant spacing, modest fertilization and dry greens when watering.
Identifying leaf spot disease
The name already reveals it: This disease is noticeable through spots. On the rocket, the spots appear on the leaves and are usually yellowish or brownish in color. Since one's gaze inevitably falls on the leaves when picking this spicy cooking ingredient, the appearance of this disease cannot be overlooked. The spots start out small and get bigger over time.
What's behind it?
The cause of the disease is a fungus that spreads rapidly among friendly operators. These are humidity and lack of sunlight. With arugula, “excessive” or incorrect fertilization is also a contributing factor. When it comes to crops, leaf spot can also be found on cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley.
The only alternative course of action
Arugula covered in spots is almost impossible to save. Chemical pesticides would ruin crops and cause further ecological damage. There are no helpful home remedies known yet.
The spotted leaves are not dangerous for us, but they are not very appetizing. To prevent the disease from spreading further in the bed, diseased plants should be removed as quickly as possible. They must be disposed of with household waste and must never end up in the compost heap. The fungus would survive there and would later be distributed in the garden with compost.
Dispose of all parts of the plant, including the roots. It can also make sense to remove the top layer of soil several centimeters deep. Fungal spores can survive in the soil for several years. They would take the first opportunity to strike again
Prevent leaf spot disease
Do not plant cruciferous plants for several years in the place where diseased rocket plants once stood. These would also be more likely to suffer from leaf spot disease.
The following measures could also help prevent this fungal disease in the future:
- Sow rocket in a sunny, well-ventilated location
- leave enough space between two plants
- the plants must be able to dry well after rainfall
- fertilize modestly; Alternatively, a starting supply is sufficient
- don't get the greenery wet when watering
